Chick-fil-A will force rewards members to spend more money to get free food, following in the footsteps of Starbucks and Dunkin'

• Chick-fil-A is making changes to its rewards program on April 4.
• Consumers will have to spend more to earn free perks on select items.

Chick-fil-A is tweaking its rewards program. And like Chipotle, Starbucks, and Dunkin', consumers will have to spend more to earn free perks on select menu items.

Changes go into effect on April 4, the chain said.

"With these new benefits, we are also updating the number of points needed to redeem for certain rewards. The point values required to redeem some items in the Chick-fil-A App will increase on April 4, 2023," the company stated.

Chick-fil-A declined to reveal which food items will have higher redemption values. The chain told Insider that current market conditions triggered the overhaul.

"The decision was a part of a regular evaluation process that takes into account different market conditions and costs to our business," Chick-fil-A said. "As a result, on April 4, some of the point values required to redeem certain rewards will increase. We are confident our Chick-fil-A One membership program will continue to deliver great value to our guests."

The chain is also adding several more food items eligible for redemption, including a large waffle potato fries (500 points), a-five count order of grilled nuggets (800 points), a bowl of chicken noodle soup (1,200 points), and a meal of an entree, side, and drink (2,500 points).

Currently, the Chick-fil-A One program has multiple tiers for redeeming free food and drinks.

Food and drinks in the 200 to 300 tier include a chocolate chunk cookie, a side of hash browns, coffee, and small or medium waffle potato fries. A classic chicken sandwich can be redeemed for 600 points, while a Cobb salad requires 1,800 points.

Basic members earn 10 points per dollar spent. Other membership tiers – silver, red, and signature – earn more points per dollar spent.

Chick-fil-A joins other national chains in tweaking rewards programs to the dismay of some customers.

In February, Starbucks changed its rewards structure, requiring members to earn more points to redeem free menu items such as coffee, tea, baked goods, cold brews, and lattes.

In October 2022, getting a free coffee through the Dunkin' Rewards program increased to 500 points, or $50 of spending, compared to the previous $40.

Last year, Chipotle made it harder to earn a free entree reward such as a burrito or bowl, which now requires 1,625 points instead of 1,400 points.

Like Chick-fil-A, Chipotle said its rewards changes were made to account for higher ingredient costs.